Why Wait to be Noticed? Make Your Mark Instead

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." Bobby Unser

Anna is a solid manager. Great skills. Good results. One of the best managers on the team.

But she was frustrated.

She came to me because she wanted advice on how to rise above the crowd. She wanted to be chosen ahead of the rest. To stand out and be recognized.

Anna was tired of waiting and jostling with her teammates to be selected for the big project, the game changing initiative and the strategic result.

She wanted to be the "chosen one.”

“What more can I do to be noticed?” Anna asked. “I go beyond what’s asked of me. My results are great. Why don’t people notice me more?”

My advice to her:

Stop waiting to get noticed and make your mark instead.

Anna was doing many things right. She was a strong manager. But she was focused on getting noticed. Anna spent her time doing things that she thought demonstrated leadership, initiative and creativity. And she missed huge opportunities to make a difference for her business.

You don't need a project or a team to lead, add value and make a difference. The more you make your mark, the more you will be noticed.

Ready to make your mark?

1. Create your own opportunities.

   Pay attention to the small stuff. If you’re in a meeting, don't sit quietly reading your email. Engage. If a meeting is unproductive - here's your chance to lead and make it productive. If something is broken, fix it.

2. Capitalize on situations that others ignore.

   When everyone else is head down - rise up. Volunteer when others don't. I volunteered to take on a campaign that always had less than 50% participation. My campaign achieved 100%.

   I made my mark and there was no contest.

3. Contribute even though it's NOT your turn, not your topic.

   Help facilitate, guide, and correct conversations. Connect the dots when people are missing the point. Demonstrate how well you engage with others and drive the business ahead through influence.

Make your mark more often.

Maximize every opportunity to add value. And while everyone else is head-down, you'll be head and shoulders above the crowd.

It's nice to be noticed.

Looking for other ways to stand out of a crowd? Take a look at these popular Evoke posts.

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Check out the Unlock Your Potential page for more insight and inspiration.